Water Main Break Forces At Least One Family from Home

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GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – At least one family was forced from their home due to a broken water main at Gladstone Drive and Hiawatha Road in the city’s southeast side.

City workers told FOX 17 that power was interrupted and Consumers Energy workers were addressing the situation.

Excavation, which could only be done in daylight, was to begin after sunrise.

Police said no homes were officially evacuated.

Crews were able to get the waters to recede after a couple hours.

The water problem started at 12:30 a.m. Wednesday.

At least six homes were affected by the water.

The neighborhood affected included four streets: Philadelphia, Sylvan, Gladstone, and Adams. Hiawatha is just the intersection where the problem originated.

The hole is directly in front of one house and a big portion of their driveway is gone. A city worker told FOX 17 the homeowners would have to drive through the yard to get the cars out because the sidewalk and rest of the driveway could sink into the hole as well.

A Grand Rapids Police Department lieutenant said his officers discussed the situation with crews on the scene, and evacuations were likely not necessary.

However, since posting this story on Facebook, a viewer commented on the post that her family has been evacuated, adding, “Our back and front yards are not visible, the water is gushing through the yard like a river.”